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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
11:34
Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Near- and far-field scattering from arbitrary three-dimensional aggregates of coated spheres using parallel computing
Lars Boyde1, Kevin J Chalut, Jochen Guck
1Sector for Biological and Soft Systems, Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J. J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom.
Summary
A new multiparticle scattering (MPS) model calculates optical fields from complex particle clusters. This computationally tractable solution is vital for fields like astronomy and biology, enabling accurate simulations.
Area of Science:
- Computational physics and optics
- Applied mathematics
- Interdisciplinary scientific modeling
Background:
- Accurate calculation of scattered optical fields is crucial across diverse scientific disciplines.
- Existing models often struggle with irregular configurations of nonidentical, coated particles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a computationally tractable multiparticle scattering (MPS) model for irregular configurations of nonidentical, coated particles.
- To provide a unified framework combining scattering from clusters and core-shell particles.
Main Methods:
- The study employs a generalized Lorenz-Mie theory framework and vector translation theorems.
- A message-passing-interface protocol facilitates parallel computation for the MPS model.
- Model validation includes verification of vector translation theorems and comparison with existing data.
Main Results:
- A novel MPS model is presented, valid for irregular configurations of nonidentical, coated particles.
- The model provides solutions for both near and far fields under plane-wave and Gaussian beam illumination.
- Scattering profiles from various particle distributions are successfully computed.
Conclusions:
- The developed MPS model offers a practical method for calculating optical fields from particle aggregates.
- The model is extensible to arbitrary illumination and complex internal particle structures.
- Applications include computing forces in optical traps and simulating light propagation in biological tissues.
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